U.S. patent number 7,582,070 [Application Number 11/100,811] was granted by the patent office on 2009-09-01 for modular hemostatic valve.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Cook Vascular Incorporated. Invention is credited to Robert Booker, Benjamin T. Ewing, Louis B. Goode, Chun Kee Lui.
United States Patent |
7,582,070 |
Goode , et al. |
September 1, 2009 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Modular hemostatic valve
Abstract
A modular hemostatic valve includes a splittable valve body. The
splittable body defines a passageway. A sealing element positions
in the passageway. The sealing element is configured to facilitate
the passage of a first medical device, and the splittable valve
body is configured to engage a second medical device.
Inventors: |
Goode; Louis B. (Cranberry
Township, PA), Lui; Chun Kee (Monroeville, PA), Booker;
Robert (Vandergrift, PA), Ewing; Benjamin T. (Cranberry,
PA) |
Assignee: |
Cook Vascular Incorporated
(Leechburg, PA)
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Family
ID: |
34964793 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/100,811 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2005 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20050228346 A1 |
Oct 13, 2005 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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60560914 |
Apr 9, 2004 |
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60573659 |
May 21, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/167.04;
604/160 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M
39/06 (20130101); A61M 39/0606 (20130101); A61M
5/1413 (20130101); A61M 2039/062 (20130101); A61M
2039/0633 (20130101); A61M 2039/066 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61M
5/178 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;604/167.01-167.06,164.01,164.04,164.05 ;606/167-189 ;251/148 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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WO 2004/022125 |
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Mar 2004 |
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WO |
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Primary Examiner: Lucchesi; Nicholas D
Assistant Examiner: Price; Nathan R
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to and claims all benefits of U.S.
Provisional Applications Ser. No. 60/560,914 filed Apr. 9, 2004 and
Ser. No. 60/573,659 filed May 21, 2004.
Claims
We claim:
1. A modular hemostatic valve, comprising: a splittable valve body,
the splittable body defining a passageway; and a sealing element
positioned in the passageway, wherein the sealing element is
configured to facilitate the passage of a first medical device, and
the splittable valve body has a first end and a second end, a first
splittable end lead capturing the first end of the splittable valve
body, and a second splittable end lead capturing the second end of
the splittable valve body, the first and second splittable end
leads being spaced from each other and configured to retain the
splittable valve body and sealing element as an assembled array,
the splittable valve body including longitudinal guide tracks
allowing only axial assembly of the splittable end leads to the
splittable valve body.
2. The modular hemostatic valve of claim 1, wherein at least one of
the splittable end leads further defines an interfacing region
configured to engage a second medical device.
3. The modular hemostatic valve of claim 1, wherein the splittable
valve body comprises a first shell and a second shell connected to
the first shell to form the passageway.
4. The modular hemostatic valve of claim 1, wherein each of the
splittable end leads further comprises an elongated protrusion for
engagement with one of the longitudinal guide tracks.
5. The modular hemostatic valve of claim 1, wherein each splittable
end capturing an end of the splittable valve body comprises a first
half member and a second half member connected to the first half
member.
6. The modular hemostatic valve of claim 5, wherein the first and
second half members of the splittable end lead define a receiving
chamber configured to capture an end of the splittable valve
body.
7. The modular hemostatic valve of claim 2, wherein the at least
one splittable end lead further comprises a coupling component
configured to facilitate the passage of the first medical device
and a barbed lead configured to be captured by the second medical
device.
8. The modular hemostatic valve of claim 1, wherein the sealing
element defines a slot configured to facilitate the passage of the
first medical device.
9. The modular hemostatic valve of claim 1, wherein the sealing
element comprises of a material selected from a group consisting of
silicone foam, viscous liquid glycerin, gel, sponge, densely packed
minute beads and stripes of collagen.
10. The modular hemostatic valve of claim 1, wherein the sealing
element comprises of a shape selected from a group consisting of a
longitudinally extending tube-shaped, a pill-shaped, a plug-shaped
with seal rings or seam, and a solid tube with internal
ripples.
11. A modular hemostatic valve comprising: a shell having a distal
end and a proximal end, a passageway extending longitudinally
through the shell between the proximal and distal ends; a
longitudinally extending sealing element positioned within the
passageway, the sealing element having an intemal surface adapted
to contact any medical device passing through the shell
sufficiently to provide a barrier against fluid backflow though the
shell, the shell including a longitudinal hinge and a mating
protrusion and hub permitting quick lateral disassembly from the
medical device passing through the shell, the shell further
including a cylindrical interfacing region extending longitudinally
from one end of the shell to surround and capture an end of a
second medical device, the cylindrical interfacing region including
a longitudinal guide track permitting only axial coupling of the
second medical device to the cylindrical interfacing region.
12. The modular hemostatic valve of claim 11 wherein the sealing
element has an end extending into the cylindrical interfacing
region of the shell.
13. The modular hemostatic valve of claim 11, wherein the sealing
element comprises of a primary sealing member and a secondary
sealing member separated from the primary sealing member by an
intermediate wall.
14. The modular hemostatic valve of claim 13, wherein the secondary
sealing member further comprises a lateral groove leading to a side
port.
15. The modular hemostatic valve of claim 11, further comprising a
side port in fluid communication with the passageway, the side port
being configured to engage a third medical device.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to medical devices, in particular to
hemostatic valves for intravascular devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Percutaneous placement of intravascular catheters, pacemaker leads,
etc. involves blood loss that, while easily controllable especially
during venous access, can become significant during long
procedures. For example, procedures such as placement of leads in
the coronary sinus for biventricular pacing, can last 4 hours,
during which time the blood loss of up to 500-600 cc can represent
a risk to the patient. Additionally, the open conduit into the body
can become a source of infection to the patient. To help reduce
these potential risks, self-sealing hemostatic valves have been
developed for use with introducer sheaths. These valves provide a
seal against flashback of blood from the proximal end of the
sheath, including when a second device is being manipulated within
the introducer.
Medical devices with large proximal fittings, such as pacemaker
leads and PICC lines, cannot be readily used through standard
hemostasis valves and introducers because of the need to remove the
introducer while leaving the other device in place. To address this
need, splittable sheaths and hemostasis valves were developed so
that the introducer and valve can be removed while the inner device
remains in the patient. Combinational devices exist, such as the
SAFE-SHEATH.TM. Splittable Valved Sheath System (Pressure Products,
Inc., Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.), which is comprised of a
splittable valve attached to the end of a scored introducer sheath.
The valve housing containing the valve membrane is split along
scores lines, which are aligned with score lines that continue down
the length of the integral introducer. Thus, the valve and
introducer are split together. One disadvantage of this
combinational system is the lack of flexibility in how the device
is used. For example, to place a coronary sinus pacemaker lead, a
physician will often wish to advance the long introducer sheath
into the coronary vessel, then partially withdraw the sheath,
perhaps 10 cm, prior to introducing the pacing lead. The large
integral valve at the proximal end of the sheath cannot enter the
patient, therefore, the physician must have an undesirably long
section of introducer exiting the patient, where ideally, he or she
would like to peel the introducer back closer to the entry site. In
addition, the scored introducer portion of the SAFE-SHEATH.TM.
lacks the structural integrity to negotiate tortuous bends of the
coronary vessels. Because the valve and introducer are designed
only to be used together, the system cannot be adapted to work with
different sheaths and other intravascular devices that may offer
important clinical advantages in certain procedures.
Furthermore, while a valve body shell may provide an adequate
barrier against fluid backflow when used in the venous system where
pressures typically average around 0.2 psi, arterial pressures
represent over a ten fold increase over that of the venous side,
making sealing much more difficult.
What is needed is a simple system that provides a platform to
introduce materials to the body and offers quick dissembling
capabilities. It is desirable to have a valve that can provide
superior sealing characteristics, especially in the presence of
high backflow pressures such as seen in arterial applications. It
is also desirable to prevent leakage of fluids and/or reduce
exposure to air-borne pathogenic organisms. Further considerations
include having a splittable hemostatic valve of simple construction
that is easy to use, functional and inexpensive to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing problems are solved in a modular hemostatic valve
that is quickly removable with a longitudinally extending sealing
element and an interfacing region sized and configured to permit
the valve to be coupled to a lead, a separate introducer sheath or
other tubular medical device to permit passage of a catheter or
device therethrough with minimal blood flashback.
According to one aspect of the invention, the modular hemostatic
valve may include a valve body made of two unconnected
semi-cylindrical shells. When closed, the two shells may form an
elongated hollow passageway therewithin. The shells may be made of
silicone or another elastic material that allows the valve body to
be fitted into an introducer sheath while offering some sealing
characteristics. The distal end of the valve body may be closed
around an end lead. Subsequently, the end lead may be placed into
the introducer sheath, such as a PEEL-AWAY.RTM. Introducer Sheath
(COOK Incorporated, Bloomington, Ind.). While typically, a dilator
is initially co-introduced, followed by the device being placed,
such as a pacemaker lead or intravenous catheter having a large
proximal hub or fitting. The valve body may be split open and
removed from the introducer sheath, which may also be split apart,
leaving the indwelling device undisturbed.
According to another aspect of the invention, the valve body may be
made of two semi-cylindrical shells connected by a living hinge.
When closed, the shells may form an elongated hollow passageway
therewithin. The proximal end of the introducer sheath may be
inserted into the modular hemostatic valve to form a double seal.
Simultaneously, a small square protrusion at the proximal end of
the introducer sheath may be slid into a guild and locking channel
at one end of the valve body to ensure structural integrity of the
valve.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the end lead may be
made of two splittable halves. The distal portion of the end lead
may include a cylindrical extension for inserting into a proximal
hub of the introducer sheath. The end lead distal portion may be
barbed for a tighter fit. The proximal portion of the end lead may
have an annular space for receiving the distal end of the valve
body such that sandwiching contact surfaces of the valve body may
form a double seal with the annular space of the end lead. Another
end lead may be used to seal the proximal end of the valve body in
the same way as the first end lead.
According to another aspect of the invention, the sealing element
may be provided within the passageway of the modular hemostatic
valve. The sealing element may be separately formed and affixed
within the valve body passageway. This sealing element, which
provides an additional blood barrier, may include silicone, foam,
gel, or virtually any biocompatible material that may provide a
seal around a first medical device being passed through the modular
hemostatic valve. The sealing element may be a solid cylindrical
column or may include slits or apertures to allow passage of the
first medical device. The sealing element may also be composed of
two longitudinally extending semi-cylindrical members, which may
come together when the valve body shells are closed. In this
configuration, each member of the sealing element may contain a
slight interior bulge for better seal. The sealing element may
remain attached to the valve body shell when the modular hemostatic
valve is split open and removed.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the modular
hemostatic valve may include a stopper, a sealing element, a body
shell, and a plug. The stopper and the sealing element may be
axially arranged within the body shell with the stopper placed
closer to the distal end of the body shell. The plug may be
inserted into the body shell at the proximal end of the body shell.
The plug may include a longitudinal adjustment feature that permits
the plug to squeeze the sealing element onto a medical device being
passed through the modular hemostatic valve.
According to another aspect of the invention, the valve body may be
made of three or more shell segments, each segment preferably being
connected to at least one adjacent segment by a living hinge. When
closed, the shell segments preferably form an elongated hollow
passageway for receiving a sealing element. The proximal end of the
introducer sheath may be inserted into the modular hemostatic valve
to form a double seal. Simultaneously, a small square protrusion at
the proximal end of the introducer sheath may be slid into a guild
and locking channel at one end of the valve body to ensure
structural integrity of the valve.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the valve body may
include a first engaging member and a second engaging member on
each of the top half and bottom half of the valve body along the
passageway. The first engaging member and the second engaging
member are designed to permit the first medical device to pass
through the passageway while simultaneously exert friction to the
first medical device to prevent slippage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a dissembled modular
hemostatic valve to be closed around two end leads in accordance
with the present invention.
FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an assembled modular
hemostatic valve closed around two end leads.
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a modular hemostatic valve
connected by a living hinge and having sealing elements in two
semi-cylindrical longitudinally extending members.
FIG. 4 depicts a front elevation view of a modular hemostatic valve
connected by a living hinge and having a sealing elements with a
slight interior bulge.
FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a modular hemostatic valve
connected by a living hinge and having a sealing element in a
longitudinally extending member.
FIG. 6 depicts a front elevation view of a modular hemostatic valve
connected by a living hinge and having a sealing element in a
longitudinally elongated member.
FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a dissembled modular
hemostatic valve having four components to be combined axially.
FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an assembled modular
hemostatic valve having four components combined axially.
FIG. 9 depicts a variety of possible shapes for a sealing element
to be employed as a modular hemostatic valve of the present
invention.
FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a modular hemostatic valve
including a side port connected to a length of tubing leading to a
stop cock valve.
FIG. 11A depicts another perspective view of the modular hemostatic
valve shown in FIG. 10 including the side port.
FIG. 11B depicts another perspective view of the modular hemostatic
valve shown in FIG. 10 further dissembled to reveal primary and
secondary sealing elements.
FIG. 12A depicts another perspective view of the modular hemostatic
valve shown in FIG. 11A.
FIG. 12B depicts another perspective view of the modular hemostatic
valve shown in FIG. 11B.
FIG. 13 depicts a close-up perspective view of the modular
hemostatic valve shown in FIG. 10 showing the interior of the side
port.
FIG. 14 depicts a close-up perspective view of the modular
hemostatic valve shown in FIG. 12A, but from a different
perspective.
FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of a modular hemostatic valve in
three partial-cylindrical longitudinally extending members
connected by a living hinge and having a sealing element including
a slot opening.
FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of an opened modular hemostatic
valve having a first engaging member and a second engaging member
engaging a first medical device.
FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of FIG. 16 with a second medical
device.
FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of FIG. 16 with the first
medical device disengaged.
FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of FIG. 17 with the first
medical device disengaged.
FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of FIG. 16 of a closed modular
hemostatic valve.
FIG. 21 depicts a perspective view of FIG. 17 of a closed modular
hemostatic valve.
FIG. 22 depicts a perspective view of another modular hemostatic
valve having a coupling portion and sealing element receiving
portion including a longitudinal living hinge.
FIG. 23 depicts the perspective view of FIG. 22 partially broken
away to reveal the partition and opening between the coupling
portion and the sealing element receiving portion.
FIG. 24 depicts the perspective view of FIG. 23 with an added foam
seal insert in the coupling portion.
FIG. 25 depicts a perspective view of another modular hemostatic
valve having a coupling portion and sealing element receiving
portion including a lateral living hinge.
FIG. 26 depicts a perspective view similar to FIG. 25 with the
sealing element receiving portion in a partially closed
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A better understanding of the present invention will now be gained
upon reference to the following detailed description, when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein like reference
characters refer to like parts throughout the several views and
different embodiments of the present invention.
A first embodiment of a modular hemostatic valve 20 of the present
invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to include a splittable valve
body 22 and a sealing element 24. The splittable valve body 22
defines a passageway 26, which is configured to house the sealing
element 24. The sealing element 24 is configured to facilitate the
passage of a first medical device, and the splittable valve body 22
is configured to engage a second medical device. The first medical
device can be typically a catheter, dilator, or pacemaker lead,
while the second medical device can be typically a tubular medical
conduit such as a splittable introducer sheath.
The modular hemostatic valve 20 can substantially prevent or
eliminate the leakage or flashback of blood or other bodily fluids.
It should be noted that the modular hemostatic valve 20 has
possible applications in other types of non-vascular procedures
where there is a desire to prevent leakage of fluids and/or reduce
exposure to air-borne pathogenic organisms. For example, the
modular hemostatic valve 20 can be used in minimally invasive
neurological procedures to limit contact of the cerebral spinal
fluid with ambient air. Another possible application would be
urological procedures where modular hemostatic valve 20 could help
prevent the introduction of pathogenic organisms into the urinary
tract.
In the first embodiment, the splittable valve body 22 preferably
includes a first shell 32 and a second shell 34 connected to the
first shell 32 to form the passageway 26. Preferably, the first 32
and second shells 34 are semi-cylindrical hollow shells, although
other shapes may be used. The splittable valve body 22 can be split
open manually by disconnecting the first shell 32 and the second
shell 34 into two separate pieces and exposing the passageway 26.
Silicone, which provides superior sealing characteristics, can be
used to make the splittable valve body 22 in the preferred
embodiment, although it is within the scope of the invention for
the splittable valve body 22 to include a rigid or semi-rigid
plastic or another non-elastic material.
In the first embodiment, the modular hemostatic valve 20 also
includes a splittable end lead 38, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2.
The splittable end lead 38 can be subsequently inserted into a
medical conduit at some point prior to or during the procedure
involving the tubular medical conduit. The splittable end lead 38
includes a first half member 40 and a second half member 42
connected to the first half member 40 to define a receiving chamber
44. The receiving chamber 44 is configured to capture an end 46 of
the splittable valve body 22. The splittable end lead 38 also
includes a coupling component 48 that is in fluid communication
with the passageway 26 and allows a medical device (not shown) to
pass therethrough when the splittable end lead 38 engages the
splittable valve body 22. The splittable end lead 38 further
includes a barbed lead 50 that is configured to engage a medical
conduit or other medical device (not shown). In the preferred
embodiment, the modular hemostatic valve 20 includes splittable end
leads 52 on both ends of the splittable valve body 22.
The splittable end lead 38 can be split open manually by
disconnecting the first half member 40 and the second half member
42 into two separate pieces and exposing the receiving chamber 44.
After separating the splittable end lead 38, the splittable valve
body 22 can also be split open manually by disconnecting the
splittable valve body shells 32 and 34 and exposing the passageway
26 and the sealing element 24. The sealing element can be
subsequently split into first 25 and second members 27 as
desired.
FIG. 15 depicts an alternative embodiment for the splittable valve
body 22 previously discussed. The alternative splittable valve body
22' can include a first shell 32', a second shell 34' connected to
the first shell 32', and a third shell 35 connected to the first
shell 32' and the second shell 34' to form the passageway 26'. It
is noted that the first shell 32', the second shell 34' and the
third shell 35 can be connected by living hinges 124. While the
splittable valve body 22' is depicted to be formed of three members
32', 34' and 35, the number of members is not limited, and the
splittable valve body 22' could be formed of four or more
partial-cylindrical longitudinally extending members.
Having modular hemostatic valve 20 with superior sealing
characteristics is important, especially in arterial applications,
when the backflow pressures are high. Lying within the passageway
26 of the modular hemostatic valve 20 is the sealing element 24,
placed to provide an additional blood barrier. In the first
embodiment, the sealing element 24 includes a first member 25 and a
second member 27 contacting the first member 25 to form a
longitudinally extending sealing insert, as depicted in FIG. 1. The
sealing element 24 can be separately formed from the splittable
valve body 22, configured to be inserted into the passageway 26 and
affixed with silicone adhesive or otherwise secured in place. It is
noted that other shapes may be used, such as a pill-shaped,
plug-shaped with seal rings or seams, solid with ripples inside, as
depicted in FIG. 9. Moreover, the sealing element 24 can include a
slit 56 to ease the passage of the first medical device 28, as
depicted in FIG. 9. In the preferred embodiment, the slit 56 is
preformed through the sealing element 24 to permit through passage
of a dilator shaft being introduced through first medical device 28
for placement at the target site. Other examples include solid with
a hole, slit with larger opening, etc.
The sealing element 24 can include any biocompatible material
capable of producing hemostasis and allowing passage of the first
medical device 28 therethrough. In the preferred embodiment, the
sealing element 24 is made of silicone foam. Other possible
materials include, but are not limited to, a viscous liquid, such
as glycerin; a gel; a foam (such as silicone); a sponge material;
densely packed solid particles such as minute beads or fibrous
material; and strips of material such as collagen. Collagen and
other certain other materials are able to absorb and retain blood
providing an additional mechanism of protection. Materials can be
used in combination, for example, a gel-impregnated foam or
collagen sponge.
In a second embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the modular
hemostatic valve 120 includes a splittable valve body 122 and the
sealing element 24. The spliftable valve body 122 defines the
passageway 26 and is configured to house the sealing element 24.
The sealing element 24 is configured to facilitate the passage of
the first medical device (not shown), as noted before, and the
splittable valve body 122 is configured to engage a second medical
device 30.
In this embodiment, the splittable valve body 122 includes a living
hinge 124 attaching the first shell 126 and the second shell 128.
The first shell 126 also includes an elongated protrusion 130, and
the second shell 128 further includes a coupling hub 132 for
capturing the elongated protrusion 130. In the preferred
embodiment, the splittable valve body 122 includes a small aperture
134 to facilitate smooth passage of a relatively large-diameter
first medical device 28 therethrough. Also in this embodiment, the
sealing element 24 can include two semi-cylindrical inserts
integrally attached to the splittable valve body 122. Each of the
inserts can include a slight bulge 36 to provide a better seal when
the splittable valve body is closed, as depicted in FIG. 4.
The splittable valve body 22 further defines an interfacing region
134 configured to capture the second medical device 30. To secure
the splittable valve body 122 to the second medical device 30, the
splittable valve body 122 can include a guide track 138 to couple
with a corresponding protrusion 140 on the second medical device 30
in one example.
A slight variation in the second embodiment can be seen in FIGS. 5
and 6, where the annular space 135 between the splittable valve
body 122 and the sealing element 24 define the interface region 134
that is configured to capture an end 137 of the second medical
device 30 to form a double seal. The sealing element 24 is a
cylindrical tube integrally attached to the splittable valve body
122 having a slit 56 for the first medical device (not shown) to
pass through. The double seals are particularly advantageous when
used with the second medical device 30 such as the ATTAIN.TM.
Coronary Sinus Introduction Sheath (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis,
Minn.). This configuration enables the splttiable valve body 122 to
remain closed during use while offers quick dissembling capability
and allow external access along the length of the passageway 26
after use. When being removed, the splittable valve body first 126
and second shells 128 will fall away in one piece from any medical
device passing through the splittable valve body 122. The
splittable valve body first 126 and second shells 128 will remain
attached to each other by the living hinge 124.
In a third embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 10-14, the modular
hemostatic valve assembly 220 includes a splittable valve body 222
with the passageway 26, and a sealing element 24 configured to
traverse the passageway 26, similar to that shown in FIGS. 3-6. The
splittable valve body 222 includes an interfacing region 224 to
capture the second medical device 30. The splittable valve body 222
also includes a side port 226 that communicates with the passageway
26. The side port 226 can be used for a variety of purposes, for
example, slow-drip intravenous administration. A length of tubing
228 can be attached to the side port 226 that, in turn, can include
a luer lock port or similar-type fitting 230 to connect with a stop
cock valve 232 or an I.V. line at the end distal to the patient.
The side port 226 would be available to perform other functions
such as infusion of medicaments, saline for flushing, or contrast
media. The side port 226 could also be used to evacuate air from
the system. The side port 226 is depicted as a nipple over which
the tubing 228 is attached; however, other embodiments are possible
such as a luer or other fitting, or merely an aperture into which
the tubing 228 is inserted.
As shown in FIGS. 11B, 12B, and 13, the splittable valve body 222
is seen to include a primary sealing element 24 disposed between
the proximal end 234 of the valve assembly and an intermediate wall
236. A secondary sealing element 238 is situated between the
intermediate wall 236 and the distal end 240 of the splittable
valve body 222. The primary sealing element 24 and secondary
sealing element 238 can have differing characteristics and
compositions. The secondary sealing element 238 is shown to be
longitudinally much shorter than the longitudinally elongated
primary sealing element 24. It will be noted from FIG. 13 that the
secondary sealing element includes a lateral groove 242 leading to
the side port 226. The elements of splittable valve body 222 not
specifically discussed here have the same features and functions as
the corresponding elements identified by corresponding reference
numerals in the previously discussed embodiments.
In the fourth embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 16-21, the modular
hemostatic valve assembly 320 includes a splittable valve body 322
with a passageway 324. The passageway 324 is designed to permit the
passage of the first medical device 28, but substantially
preventing or eliminating the leakage or `flashback` of blood or
other bodily fluids. The hemostatic valve assembly 320 is designed
for use with the second medical device 30, as depicted in FIGS. 17,
19 and 21.
The splittable valve body 322 includes a side port 326 that
communicates with the passageway 324, similar to that shown in FIG.
10. The splittable valve body 322 also includes an elongated
protrusion 328 on the bottom half 330 of the splittable valve body
322 that is designed to be captured by a coupling hub 332 located
at the top half 334 of the splittable valve body 322, similar to
that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. When the elongated protrusion 328
couples with the coupling hub 332, the bottom half 330 and the top
half 334 come in contact and close the splittable valve body 322,
which also serve to enclose the first medical device 28, as
depicted in FIGS. 20 and 21.
The splittable valve body 322 in this embodiment further includes a
first engaging member 336 and a second engaging member 338 on each
of the bottom half 330 and top half 334 along the passageway 324.
The first engaging member 336 has a first protrusion 342 and the
second engaging member 338 has a second protrusion 348. In the
preferred embodiment, the first 342 and second protrusions 348 are
circular in shape. The first engaging member 336 and the second
engaging member 338 permit the first medical device 28 to pass
therebetween.
Moreover, the bottom half 330 and the top half 334 each includes a
clip 350 along the passageway 324, as depicted in FIGS. 17 and 19.
In the preferred embodiment, the clip 350 is half-circular in
shape. The clip 350 is also configured to capture the first medical
device 28. The elements of modular hemostatic valve assembly 320
not specifically discussed here have the same features and
functions as the corresponding elements identified by corresponding
reference numerals in the previously discussed embodiments.
In the fifth embodiment, the modular hemostatic valve 420 includes
an axial telescoping assembly of a stopper 422, a sealing element
24, a body shell 426 and a plug 428, as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8.
The stopper 422 can be an elongated cylindrical member with a
passageway 430. In the preferred embodiment, the stopper 422 may
include a sealing lip or ring 438 at the stopper distal end 432.
The sealing element 24 can be an elongated cylindrical member with
a passageway 434. The passageway 434 is in fluid communication with
the stopper passageway 430.
The body shell 426 can be a cylindrical shell with a body shell
passageway 424. The body shell 426 can be made of silicone or
another elastic material. The body shell passageway 424 has a cross
shape, although other shapes may be used. The distal end 436 of the
body shell 426 can house the sealing element 24 and the stopper 422
axially, with the stopper 422 being placed closer to the shell
distal end 436. The stopper ring 438 prevents the stopper 422 from
sliding further into the body shell 426, thus maintain the
structural integrity of the modular hemostatic valve 420. The body
shell passageway 424 is in fluid communication with the sealing
element passageway 434 and the stopper passageway 430 to allow the
first medical device 28 to pass through. The body shell 426 can
also contain a longitudinal adjustment feature 440 on the body
shell 426 near the proximal end 442.
The plug 428 can contain a disc-shaped end 444 with a slit 446 at
the center, which serves as a passageway 448. This plug passageway
448 is also in fluid communication with the rest of the passageways
424, 430 and 434. The plug 428 can also contain four legs 450 with
the narrow ends point away from the disc-shaped end 444. All the
legs 450 are configured to be inserted into the cross-shaped
passageway 448 at proximal end 442 of the body shell 426. Moreover,
a small rectangular block 452 protrudes outward from one of the
narrow end of the legs 450. The block 452 is configured to slide
into and lock onto the longitudinal adjustment feature 440 of the
body shell 426. It is designed to permit the plug 428 to squeeze
the sealing element 24 onto a medical device being passed through
the modular hemostatic valve 420.
Yet other embodiments of a modular hemostatic valve assembly 520 of
the present invention are depicted in FIGS. 22-26 to include a
splittable, generally cylindrical, valve body 522 with a sealing
element receiving portion 524. A partition 526 is located between
the generally cylindrical, valve body 522 with a sealing element
receiving portion 524 as shown in FIG. 23. An opening 528 is in the
partition 526 defines a passageway 28, similar to that shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4. The passageway 28 is designed to permit the passage
of a first medical device (not shown), such as a catheter, dilator,
pacemaker lead, etc., but substantially prevent or eliminate the
leakage or `flashback` of blood or other bodily fluids. The
hemostatic valve assembly 520 is designed for use with a second
medical device 30, shown to be a tubular medical conduit, such as a
splittable introducer sheath, as depicted in FIGS. 3, 6, and 8. The
generally cylindrical, valve body 522 can include a guide track 530
or other similar feature designed to cooperatively engage any
locking protrusion 140 that may exist on the medical device 30.
The sealing element receiving portion 524 of the hemostatic valve
assembly 520 includes at least two portions 532 and 534 coupled to
each other by a living hinge 536. It will be appreciated that the
sealing element receiving portion 524 can be configured to include
even more than two portions as generally taught by the embodiment
shown in FIG. 15. The living hinge 536 can be longitudinally
disposed as depicted, for example, in FIGS. 22-24, or laterally
disposed as depicted, for example in FIGS. 25 and 26. One of the
portions 532 and 534 can also include an elongated protrusion 540,
while the other portion can include a coupling hub 542 for
capturing the elongated protrusion 540. While the moving portion
534 is shown in FIGS. 22-24 to be coupled to the stationary portion
532 by the living hinge 536 on one side, it will be appreciated
that the living hinge 536 and moving portion 534 could be located
on the opposite side of the stationary portion 532. Further, while
the moving portion 534 is shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 to be coupled to
the stationary portion 532 by the living hinge 536, it will be
appreciated that the living hinge 536 and moving portion 534 could
be coupled to the cylindrical valve body 522.
The sealing element receiving portion 524 of the hemostatic valve
assembly 520 can receive any of the sealing elements 24 previously
described. Additionally, an additional disk-shaped seal 538 can be
included within the generally cylindrical valve body 522 as shown
in FIG. 24. The disk-shaped seal 538 can be made of silicone foam
that is separately formed from the valve body 522. The seal 538 can
be inserted into the body 522 and affixed with silicone adhesive or
otherwise secured in placed. The disk-shaped seal 538 can include a
small aperture aligned with opening 528 in the partition 526 that
facilitates smooth passage of a medical device therethrough. A
transverse fissure can be included part way through the seal 538 to
allow the seal to split in half along with the remainder of the
hemostatic valve 520.
A method of using the modular hemostatic valve of the present
invention includes engaging the first medical device 28 with the
modular hemostatic valve 20 and engaging the second medical device
30 with the modular hemostatic valve 20. A method of disposing the
modular hemostatic valve 20 includes disengaging the first medical
device 28 from the modular hemostatic valve 20, disengaging the
second medical device 30 from the modular hemostatic valve 20, and
splitting open the splittable valve body 20. The method of using
and disposing the modular hemostatic valves 120, 220, 320, and 520
can be similarly conducted.
It is thus seen that the present invention has utility in a variety
of medical procedures, and that variations and modifications of the
modular hemostatic valve assembly of the present invention
additional to the embodiments described herein are within the
spirit of the invention and the scope of the claims.
* * * * *